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TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Art of Shag
INTERVIEW WITH MONIKA Westtown member Charles "Rocky" interviews Artistic Director Monika about the Ultimate Shag Show and the art of shag.
Who taught YOU how to do the rugs? Did you have a teacher to Exhibit Preparation
help you do it?
I learned rug making and knitting from my
grandmother who had an incredible impact on my life. She was a magical person who showered me with so much love. She was also a very resourceful person who knew how to make amazing things
The Ultimate Shag Show
possible on a budget. A lot of the best parts of who I am today come from my relationship with her.
Did you make rugs when you were a Show Reviews
kid?
I did work on all kinds of creative
projects with my grandmother. I still have a shaggy pillow she made for me when I was little. It has a mouse on it! I helped
Meet the Artists
her make it. (Pictured right)
Have you ever taught kids how to do it? I
have
taught hundreds of kids how to do it, and when my kids were little they did it too.
How long have you been an artist? I
have been
an artist all my life. I knew I was the kind of person who made things as long as I can remember. Nothing makes me happier than being creative and working quietly with my hands. I think it is very healing.
How did you think of the shag rug show? I wanted the shag show to happen so all the rug work of Envision artists could be seen in one place
Reporter Charles "Rocky"
at the same time. I knew it would be amazing. I
Arsanis
want people to understand how much the members of our programs love to work and how
committed they are to using recycled materials. I love the way slowly and steadily great things can happen when you have faith in a process and you are patient.
What was your favorite thing about the show?
My favorite thing about the rug show is how much
people love to touch the rugs and remark about how deep they are. Great things are possible if you believe and stay calm and focused. It makes people happy to be near these rugs. They are impressed by them. They say they can't believe the rugs are handmade. They say that the people who made them are really inspired and talented.
How did you set up for the show? Did you have an assistant to help you?
I had all kinds of help
installing the show. Members came from all over the agency to bring their work! A great team came from Westtown to help install. The rugs are really hard to hang, and it was really hot in the gallery. Vahid M. and Anteneh did a lot of the hammering. Macus Alonso who is a teaching artist in the program was super energetic and participated with everything.
We did last minute work on rugs that needed some detail work. It was a team effort.
What is your favorite rug?
My favorite rug in the show is the big natural one that is hanging on the
wall made by Linda Johnson. Some people asked why it is hanging backwards. I think the back of it is so beautiful. Many people stand in front of it quietly and just look. You can see the knots and subtle colors. It is very serene and reminds me of Linda Johnson's personality. I have known her for over 15 years and every time I see her, she has something kind and loving to say. I admire her so much.
A LITTLE FREEDOM WITH MY MIND By Eunice Jones
You want to know how the rugs happen? I put yarn through the empty spaces and I tie it. One knot is all you need. Different people make different kinds of knots. Some folks take longer to do it. It doesn’t matter if they do it fast or slow. I cut my own yarn. When I started to make rugs, I didn't know how. Now I know how! I do all of it myself. I do it myself and never ask nobody for nothing. These rugs, it’s a thing. A group of us we do it together. We be talking about how we feel. We talk about our families. A lot of people talk, but I just concentrate on my work. I focus on what I'm doing. I pay attention. Some people just talk and talk when they make rugs. That's them. Some people like their quiet. Some like the conversation. Sometimes people talk about themselves. They tell me about themselves. Sometimes I concentrate with nobody talking in my ear! For me, I like having my cup of coffee and then I'm chilling and working. I don’t need anything too much. All of our group ain't back yet. All of the people who used to make rugs. Now Georgia, I miss her. She's a good conversation person. She says things but not too many. She says things right. I use whatever color I have for yarn or material. I don’t fuss about color. You can use what you have. That is what I say. Making rugs makes my life better because it gives me something to do. I'll always find me something to do. That's how it is for me. I like the way the rug feels. It's soft. A lot of people like working on things like this…you look around and you see folks all wantin’ to do the rugs. Whenever I get money from selling my rug, I give it to my daughter. She puts it in the bank. Last time I got some money, I bought some clothes. When I see the rug I say, “I know that! I did that!” Some people don't have the patience. They say rugs is not for them to do. I would tell them I'm just here thinking when I do this thing. You gotta hang with it. That's why I like it. It gives me a little freedom with my mind to think.
U N L I M I T E D
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THE
SHAG
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EDITION
ABOUT MAKING SHAGGY PILLOWS By Rachel from Frick Center You have heard from me before. Now you are hearing from me again. I do all kinds of creative things and I am a leader. You know who else is a good leader? Our staff Gail. She always be doing everything around here to be sure we work and have what we need. I work with her actually. I think she should be known for what she does. Gail has a good attitude! She is bright. She is friendly.
We thought we should interview her to hear what she has to say. Anybody can add to the newsletter. It is a letter about news for us and about us. Here is what she thinks about making pillows with us:
"I enjoy working with the members at Frick on the shaggy rugs and pillows project. For those members who had never made a rug but expressed interest in learning how, and through their determination, I reached a new level of patience.
It was an enjoyable experience to work with members who I never worked with before. Overall, it was pleasant. They all worked so diligently to meet the project deadline. They did a supercalifragilisticexpialocious job!"
SELL MY TWO BEAUTIFUL RUGS By Jamie P. I love go to on outings with Hannah or Jimmy at the Unlimited Shag Show. I saw different kinds of rugs - different styles, different colors. I see my friend Marty, Emily, Kendall, Kristen, and her husband. They were happy for me. Macus liked my pose. At the show I talked to people. I see people liked my rugs. They tell me they want to sell it soon. Next year's open house, I'm going to sell it.
U N L I M I T E D
V O I C E S
THE
SHAG
RUG
EDITION
GETTING READY FOR THE SHOW
By Yolanda, Jamie, and Charles/Rocky First, we checked to make sure if the rugs were done or not done. Make sure all the stitches are there. Some people skip them and don't do all of them. Then we laid them out on the floor. Then we measured them in inches with a tape measure. We wrote down the numbers. We wrote down how many clients had done the rugs on paper. We made a tag with the number and the Envision logo. After that, we make sure the number matches the paper that tells you how many inches it is and the price. The big ones we had were over $100! You have to tie the knot to put the tag on. Then we put it in a big black trash bag to go to the Shag Rug Show. It was easy to do. Then we brought it to the building. They put pictures of the clients on the floor next to the rugs that they do. We felt good preparing it, and we felt happy to be there.
U N L I M I T E D
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THE
SHAG
RUG
EDITION
RUG INSTALLATION By Vahid M. I had hammer and nails, and I hold it with Monika. Monika said, "Don't hit real hard. You're going to hurt the wall, and then you'll be in trouble." I put the hammer with Monika. The nails hold it, and you finish it. Maybe we'll sell them, or maybe no. Me and Anteneh took the rugs in the two bags in the car.
FIXING THE SHAG RUGS By Ruth M., Larry B., Vahid M. Vahid, Ruth, Larry, Macus, and Monika fixed the rugs. We put the thread on it, like a project. Janet showed me how to do that.
There were holes in the rug. That's bad. We fix it. Janet showed me how to make the rugs with thread. The colors need to match. You cut the yarn, the thread, with scissors. You put it in the hole. You fix it up. You finish all the time, finish it. Maybe it's finished, not yet. I fixed it.
I felt good tying the thread.
U N L I M I T E D
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EDITION
Photo Journalism By Jamie P. I help Jimmy on camera. He showed me how to do it in the media room. Sometimes I was careful with the camera to
WESTTOWN SHAG SHOW By Lucy P.
make sure it's right. Jimmy gave me the rules: 1. Take the cover off the lens.
I liked the show. I like the way
2. Turn the switch from "OFF" to "ON."
the clients make a shag rug. I
3. Turn the knob to move the camera forward, back and
like the people. I like meeting
forth, up and down. Make it tight to make sure it doesn't fall.
that lady, Macus. She showed us
4. I was framing the shot. When I move the handle, I make sure the picture is right. Move nothing else, just the handle. 5. Zoom the camera by making the size medium or big or small. 6. Put your hand on the right side of the camera to take the shot. 7. Use the black thing on top and hit it with your pointer
around. We got to meet all the pictures on the wall. She gave us a coloring book to color. She gave us crayons and we had to color. I just liked the show. I had some drinks. My outfit was pretty, I think it was gold. My favorite color is gold. It was nice
finger.
seeing beautiful rugs. I don't
I got the perfect shot on the first try. I'm really happy to
make a lot of rugs, but I like
learn the camera. I use manners, like "Excuse me ma'am,
going to see them. I just like
can I take a picture?" Thank you Jimmy. He's the one best
going for the heck of it! It was
man I 've ever known.
really nice. I'd like to go again.
INTERVIEW WITH KRISTEN Interview by Jamie P. and Charles A.
Do you like the show? Did you enjoy it?
I did enjoy the show. I was very impressed to see the
beautiful array of colors spread out on the floor and walls of the exhibit. I was pleased to see so many familiar faces and enjoyed catching up with a number of members, friends, and colleagues.
What is your favorite rug color?
That’s a hard question. All the rugs were amazing, but
personally, I was drawn to two rugs (both hanging on the wall). One was hanging backwards and had some neutral tones. I liked the intricate thread work. I really appreciated the hard work that the artist put into the tying of that particular rug. The other rug I admired was mostly cream colored; it made me think of soft marshmallows.
What is your favorite part about shag rugs?
My favorite part was seeing how happy people
were to purchase pieces at the exhibit. I was delighted seeing the buyers faces as they took home a creation made by our members. Knowing that the hard work put into these pieces paid off for more than a few artists, made me proud.
Did you meet people down there?
Yes, I had the opportunity to meet a few people at this
exhibit. I was glad to see so many new faces experiencing Envision Unlimited artists' work for the first time. These events usually lead to other opportunities for community inclusion and artist recognition for our members.
Thank you lot! -Jamie & Charles Thank
you for asking me to participate in your interview.
U N L I M I T E D
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THE
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RUG
EDITION
CHICAGO ART DEPARTMENT By Charles A.
Me, Yolanda, Agnes, Kasandra, and LaTosha went to the Chicago Art Department to see the rugs. The building was really big. That place was different, more modern.
Some of the clients' pictures were on the floor, and the measuring paper and prices were on the table.
It was beautiful. The rugs were nice. They were on the floor, the chairs, and the walls. I like the ones on the wall. I like the blue one. The one in the chair was my favorite. It was different shades of brown. They were beautiful.
It was fun. We saw Rose Center down there. They sold some of the rugs. Macus was nice to us. She was hoping they would sell more. Macus talked about Monika. She said Monika would be proud of us for the rugs they did and selling them. She showed us where the bathroom was. They took a picture of all of us together. Sandra was laying on the rug, and I sat on the rug.
U N L I M I T E D
V O I C E S
THE
"When someone buys my rug, that makes me happy." -Rosa M.
"I've seen members grow so much throughout my years here. Something great that was unique about this show was seeing members out of their own free will initiating conversations with strangers to sell their stuff." -James Sanchez
SHAG
RUG
EDITION
"It was fun and interesting. My favorite part was meeting Macus and introducing ourselves to her." -Charles/Rocky
reviews of the show
“I enjoyed going to the art exhibit show. I like seeing all the different shapes of rugs. I like those floor rugs. The one I laid on was comfortable. I want to go to sleep. I like the different colors and materials they used to make their rugs. Some of their rugs look like ours here at Lewandowski. I would like to go visit the art exhibit again." -Eunice Jones and Mary Sanders
MEET THE ARTISTS
ROSA I make rugs with my hands. I learned a long time ago. I tie pieces of yarn with my hands. I choose the colors. I want to use red yarn, pink yarn, and black
LATRAVIONE
yarn. Different colors green, blue, yellow, orange, brown, white, purple, any color! Any
I enjoy working on the pillows. It was something fun to do at the workshop. I have been working on them for about 4 months. My favorite colors are black, brown, orange, and blue. The staff Gail taught me how to make the shaggy pillows. I like her.
color of pieces of yarn. My favorite part is selling to people. Selling rugs makes money. I get a paycheck. I want people to buy it. When someone buys my rug, that makes me happy.
What is your name? Linda Johnson
How long have you been making shag rugs? I been making shag rugs for a long time, 15 years.
Tell me about the rug-making process.
MARY
You need a rug backing, the hook tool, and yarn. I choose the colors, wrap the yarn, cut it, put it in the basket, take the hook tool, and use
I like to make rugs and sew. I
different colors. Put the yarn in the
like weaving. I love singing
hole and tie it around. That’s it.
and Aretha Franklin. I like chicken and rice and chocolate pudding. On the weekends, I watch TV.
What is your favorite part about making shag rugs? I have fun making rugs! I like the different colors. I like reds and browns. I want to make money. My sister and her husband bought one
I was born in Chicago and live with my sister-in-law. My colors are blue, black, green, and red.
of my rugs. They put it down in the basement.
What do you want people to know about you as an artist? I do a great job.
My favorite singer is Bobby Blue Band. My favorite flower is a sunflower because of the bright color.
I would love to travel to Mississippi, where my mom was born. I used to play the banjo, guitar, and piano at my Baptist church.
LINDA
PATRICIA
JAMIE
I like making rugs. I like I started making rugs
making them colorful.
in 2013. It helps my behaviors. Carmen showed me how to do it with different colors.
Linda stated
I use my hands and the
“Yes!” when
hook tool. When
asked if she
somebody bothers me,
feels happy.
I keep on doing it and
FELICIA
it helps me. I love when Kristen told me she loved my rugs and to put it in the rug show. I like using different colors, any
I like working on the
color they have. Linda
rugs. You start with
A. said, "Whoa, Jamie, I
plenty room to no
love it!" When people
more room. It makes
compliment my rugs, I
me feel relaxed
feel happy and
and happy. I like
excited. I want to
making money too.
show people how I can use my hands.
MICHELLE
THIS NEWSLETTER SPOTLIGHTS A SMALL HANDFUL OF THE MANY ENVISION UNLIMITED ARTISTS WHO CREATE SHAG RUGS AND PILLOWS FEATURED IN THE ULTIMATE SHAG SHOW.
YOLANDA I work hard doing the rugs. It's not an easy job, and I do my best. I learned several years ago. Carmen taught me. They be doing it with their hands, and I can't do it with my hands. So Carmen taught me to use the hook tool. I had to watch her do it. When I got the hang of it, I just kept on going. I just had to find an easy way for me to do it. If I couldn't measure
My name is Ruth. I am an artist. I have been making rugs for 13 years. To make a rug you need yarn, the rug backing, scissors, and a hook. Pick colors that match. Cut yarn. You put the yarn in the hook then put it in the rug. Green is my favorite color for rugs. I like shag rugs and doing art shows.
the yarn like them, I had to find my own way to measure it. I put it on my leg and count to four and then I stop, and I know how long it is. It's long enough. We can use different colors, different materials. I like to mix it up. I like the colored materials. I like doing the big rugs and the little rugs.
RUTH